Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms General questions about breast health and possible symptoms. |
12,359 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10/2011 | I had a lumpectomy in 2005 and after brca2 tested positive in 2009 , I opted for a bilateral mastectomy. Met with surgeon yesterday because I felt a lump near original tumor but he said he thought it was probably fat necrosis and then did ultra sound and said let's be safe than sorry so I will get biopsy Monday. Would it be out of the question that it would be cancer after bilateral mastectomy? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 2/10/2011 | though having mastectomy surgery dramatically reduces the risk of local recurrence a great deal, the risk is not zero. it is usually in the range of 1-3%. those with BRCA 1 or 2 along with women who have had stage III breast cancer are the ones we watch the closest for local recurrence. How aggressive the surgeon was in removing the breast tissue weighs in here as well. sometimes additional residual tissue is left behind. By doing the biopsy, the pathologist will actually be able to tell if the tissue sampled was breast tissue or not (vs fascia or dermis for example.) Glad you saw the doctor. hopefully they will get results back the next day post biopsy (we do) so you have prompt answers. if you need us we are just a click away.L | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.